Jah Guidance - Henry "Junjo" Lawes Productions - Singles, B-Sides and Album Cuts 1978 - 1998
Greetings one and all, welcome to this fantastic post which explores the phenomenal rise and fall of one of Jamaica's most successful and dominating producers of the 1980's, Henry "Junjo" Lawes.
As the 1970's came to a close, after a decade of Roots and Rockers from the likes of Lee "Scratch" Perry, Bunny "Striker" Lee, Joe Gibbs, Prince Tony Robinson and of course the work of Bob Marley And The Wailers, Reggae music headed into the 1980's after a long period of undeclared civil war in Jamaica.
Gangs now ruled the streets of Kingston, armed and incredibly dangerous these youngsters that had grown up through the violence and turmoil of the late 70's were coming of age. One such youngster was Henry Lawes.
Henry Lawes was born in the Olympic Way slums of West Kingston around 1948, by the late 1960's, as he reached his teens, he spent more time living at McKoy Lane near Whitfield Town, a "Bad Man" territory run by Jack Massop. Jack's son was the notorious Claudie Massop, a top ranking gunman for PNP Prime Minister Michael Manley during the mass violence of the 1970's.
A lot of teens got drawn into this life of gun crime, murder, drugs and political fighting, Henry Lawes was heading the same way, it is documented that Henry may well have been a local drug peddler by his late teens and that he may also have been a small time gunman for the PNP.
A chance meeting with reggae producer Bunny Lee around 1977 would change Henry's life direction, Lee encouraged Henry, by now in his mid twenties, to pursue a career in the reggae music business.
Henry started the group The Grooving Locks and aspired to be a singer under the name Mr. Dominic but this proved unsuccessful, the group never recorded any material and soon split.
Bunny Lee had noticed that Henry had a keen ear for the latest sounds and that he would frequent local dances on a regular basis and so suggested to Henry to consider production and talent spotting work.
So Henry Lawes headed over to producer and singer Linval Thompson who agreed to take him on in an apprentice / assistant role.
Henry worked on Linval's album "I Love Marijuana" and also helped produce Al Campbell's "Showcase" LP both of which were released in 1978.
Junjo also began working closely with another up and coming producer named Hyman Wright (aka Papa Life) who operated the Jah Life label. Some early Junjo productions were released via this label.
By now Henry had acquired the affectionate nickname of Junjo, how this came about isn't really clear with a handful of differing accounts, the most likely being that from his background involvement in crime he would often use the false name of John Joe.
Junjo continued to work alongside Linval Thompson and Hyman Wright until he had secured enough money to afford time of his own in the recording studio.
Junjo had been scouting for talent amongst the sound systems and dances around Kingston, spending time with the people in attendance and working out what they liked and disliked on the scene.
This would prove an incredibly wise move, knowing what the crowds enjoyed most and being heavily involved on a street level would set Junjo ahead of the pack. He also would acquire many new contacts and acquaintances in this time, many of which would later record for Junjo.
In mid 1978 Junjo discovered the talents of an aspiring singer named Barrington Levy, the pair became good friends and Levy agreed to record exclusively with Junjo as his producer.
Levy was born in Clarendon in 1964, as a teenager he formed the singing duo Mighty Multitude with his cousin Everton Dacres and the pair cut a few singles in 1977 which had gathered much interest in and around the Kingston sound system scene. Levy had also cut some early singles for Papa Life around 1978.
Junjo booked in some recording time at the famed Channel One Studios on Maxfield Avenue, West Kingston, run by the Hookim family and hired The Roots Radics as his backing band.
The Roots Radics consisted of founding members Errol "Flabba" Holt (bass), Eric "Bingy Bunny" Lamont (guitar) and Lincoln "Style" Scott (drums) with additional band members including Noel "Sowell" Bailey, Dwight Pinkey, Steve Golding (guitars), Wycliff "Steelie" Johnson (keys/piano/organ) and "Deadly" Headley Bennett (saxophone).
Junjo had acquired a fantastic new singer and hired the incredible Roots Radics band, all he needed now was an engineer and mixer to complete the set up at Channel One. He found it in another up and coming youngster by the name of Hopeton Brown.
Hopeton Overton Brown was born on April 18th 1960 and was introduced to electronics at an early age, being the son of a radio and television repair man he learnt how to build his own amps and speaker boxes.
Brown had been purchasing his transformers from Osbourne Ruddock, better known as King Tubby, down at his little shop on Dromilly Road. Brown was fascinated by Tubby's work in dub music and would often ask to have a go on the mixing console. Eventually Tubby gave the young hopeful a chance by employing him as an assistant and transformer winder.
By 1976 Brown had begun mixing for Tubby on some of his dub pieces as well as reworking old Studio One riddims into dubs of his own creation, some of these were picked up by producer Errol Don Mais who released them on his Roots Tradition label.
Brown's biggest shot came however when Prince Jammy cut short a mixing session for Don Mais which Brown was more than happy to finish.
The story then goes that one day when Hopeton was busy mixing and dubbing away in the studio, in walked King Tubby and Bunny Lee, impressed by the youngsters forward thinking ideas and technical aspirations Tubby joked "Damn this boy gwarn like him a scientist"!! and thus the name was born.
Still under the guidance of King Tubby, Scientist was beginning to create a dub style of his own, very experimental, playful and psychedelic, incorporating explosions, echo and feedback.
In 1978 he was approached by the Hookim brothers who hired him as the principle engineer of Channel One studios, moving him from Tubby's 4 track mixing desk to the top of the range 16 track desk at Channel One.
These became legendary sessions, the songs recorded during this period are considered the beginnings of reggae dancehall. It was also the start of Henry "Junjo" Lawes dominance of the reggae music scene and the birth of two new shining stars in Barrington Levy and Scientist.
It has to be mentioned here that Hyman Wright also played a big part in those early Barrington Levy sessions at Channel One, in fact it was Papa Life who produced much of Levy's "Bounty Hunter", "Shaolin Temple" and "Englishman" albums. Wright released the albums on his Jah Life label in the US.
It's also documented that Wright may have been an uncredited producer on more than a few other early singles which were credited as Junjo productions in the very late 1970's.
This situation may go deeper than we first realised when writing this biography and we are continuing to research this story, check back for updates to this post for any unearthed information which will be added to the bottom of this article.
This new style of reggae wasn't too far away from the previous roots rockers reggae of the late 70's but it was slower paced, tougher and exactly what the people of Jamaica wanted at this time.
Junjo was impressed by Scientist's re-working of older riddims and encouraged the young mixer to experiment deeply with the old and the new. Staying in touch with the streets and the connections he made there, Junjo brought a number of other aspiring singers, deejay's and mc's to the studio.
Alongside Barrington Levy were releases from Dave Robinson, Rod Taylor, Jah Thomas, Flick Wilson, Clint Eastwood and many others but Junjo also recorded some well known performers in his early sessions like Hortense Ellis (sister of Alton) and Freddie McKay. As the hits flowed so did the reputation of this new producer, his new mixer and this new sound.
To release his productions Junjo set up the Volcano label and quickly set about getting an international distribution deal, through his connections he met with Chris Sedgwick of Greensleeves Records based in London who agreed to release Junjo's productions in the UK and US.
Junjo also set up the Volcano Sound System which rapidly became the number one sound system in Jamaica and was playing almost nightly around Kingston.
The sessions recorded with Barrington Levy would appear on numerous album releases such as "Bounty Hunter", "Shaolin Temple", "Englishman", "Shine Eye Gal" and "Robin Hood" between 1978 and 1980.
As the 1980's began more and more artists began working with Junjo including General Echo (previously known as Ranking Slackness), Michael Prophet, Ranking Joe and Toyan. Also more artists from the 70's including a wonderful revival period for Johnny Osbourne of the group The Sensations.
Junjo was always more than happy to help older artists, who had found fame in the 60's and 70's, by bridging the crossover into reggae dancehall music. Ken Boothe, John Holt, Alton Ellis and others would all cut singles for Junjo.
Great albums were also coming out such as Rod Taylor's "Where Is Your Love Mankind", "General Echo's "Twelve Inches Of Pleasure", Flick Wilson's "School Days", Ranking Joe's "Saturday Night Jamdown Style", Michael Prophet's "Righteous Are The Conqueror" and Johnny Osbourne's "Fally Lover" all appeared in 1980.
Junjo was always more than happy to help older artists, who had found fame in the 60's and 70's, by bridging the crossover into reggae dancehall music. Ken Boothe, John Holt, Alton Ellis and others would all cut singles for Junjo.
Great albums were also coming out such as Rod Taylor's "Where Is Your Love Mankind", "General Echo's "Twelve Inches Of Pleasure", Flick Wilson's "School Days", Ranking Joe's "Saturday Night Jamdown Style", Michael Prophet's "Righteous Are The Conqueror" and Johnny Osbourne's "Fally Lover" all appeared in 1980.
Junjo had become known for having financial respect for his artists in regard to royalties, he is quoted as saying: "I nah really check fe money, every man gwarn have an equal share, artist, producer, instrument player, everyone. The set up here is unlevelled"
Chris Sedgwick of Greensleeves backed this up when he said: "I always found Junjo to be a straight forward person to deal with, right from the start he made arrangements for us to pay royalties direct to the artists, he struck me as being pretty fair".
Junjo then set up another label called Jah Guidance to keep up with the high volume of releases which would predominantly focus on the Jamaican market. Later on he would set up the Arrival label too.
Singles came thick and fast on all three labels as well as on Greensleeves who picked up on Junjo's 12'' extended singles and discomixes.
The early 1980's saw a massive boom in sales for DJ's and MC's who were becoming more skilled in delivering harder, faster paced rhymes. Junjo's continued visits to the soundsystems would link him with most of the biggest and best DJ's in Kingston whom he was more than happy to take into the studio.
Junjo released the album "A Whole New Generation Of DJ" in 1981 which showcased a number of youngsters, as well as some incredible DJ albums such as Toyan's "How The West Was Won", Michigan And Smiley's "Downpression", Yellowman and Fathead's "Bad Boy Skanking" and the mighty "Two Bad DJ" by Clint Eastwood and General Saint.
The early 1980's saw a massive boom in sales for DJ's and MC's who were becoming more skilled in delivering harder, faster paced rhymes. Junjo's continued visits to the soundsystems would link him with most of the biggest and best DJ's in Kingston whom he was more than happy to take into the studio.
Junjo released the album "A Whole New Generation Of DJ" in 1981 which showcased a number of youngsters, as well as some incredible DJ albums such as Toyan's "How The West Was Won", Michigan And Smiley's "Downpression", Yellowman and Fathead's "Bad Boy Skanking" and the mighty "Two Bad DJ" by Clint Eastwood and General Saint.
The hits flowed and flowed from Channel One as more and more new and old artists began cutting singles and albums with Junjo. Established artists such as Johnny Osbourne, John Holt, Yellowman, Israel Vibration, Cornell Campbell, The Wailing Souls, Linval Thompson, Culture, Don Carlos and Hugh Mundell all cut fantastic albums with the producer.
Up and coming guys like Eek-A-Mouse, Wayne Jarrett, Michael Prophet, Captain Sinbad, Ranking Ringo, Little John, Josie Wales, Billy Boyo and Little Harry all made waves on the dancehall scene via working with Junjo.
The Volcano Soundsystem posse was riding high between 1980 and 1982, performing nightly shows across Kingston, one such dance was captured and released as "A Live Session With Aces International" which showcases a young Beenie Man confidently rocking the crowd with his already powerful vocals.
Another show was recorded around 1983 and released as "Junjo Presents: Two Big Sound Live" which features an excellent performance from Michael Irie.
The year of 1983 saw the success of Volcano, both as a label and as a soundsystem, continue to dominate the sound of Reggae in Jamaica and also in both the UK and US where Greensleeves were doing excellent work promoting the productions of Henry "Junjo" Lawes.
When Scientist decided to leave the set up, for the greener grass of Tuff Gong Studios, Junjo brought in Peter Chemist, he also began using The High Times Band when The Roots Radics were in demand for other producers. Junjo continued to find fresh young talent on the streets of Kingston and give them a chance in the studio as well as his continued efforts to push the careers of reggae artists from the seventies.
In 1983 he began working with Junior Murvin who's album "Police And Thieves" of 1977 made him an international star, but his work afterwards had failed to breakthrough in the same way.
Murvin recorded the album "Muggers In The Street" for Junjo which gave him a new found fame on the dancehall scene.
By 1984 even more classic albums were appearing such as the fantastic debut from Burro Banton, Eek-A-Mouse "Mouseketeer", Peter Metro and Captain Sinbad Meet The Metric System, "Money" by Cornell Campbell, The Outlaw Josie Wales, Yellowman "Nobody Move", Cultural Roots "Hell A Go Pop" and Charlie Chaplin "Soundsystem".
Not to mention the wonderful "Pass The Tu-Sheng-Peng" by Frankie Paul, "Back To Back" by Leroy Smart and Junior Reid and "I Lost My Sonia" by Cocoa Tea.
Henry "Junjo" Lawes had been on an incredible run, from 1978 right through 1984 he had been a powerful force on the reggae music scene. Dropping hit single after hit single, incredible full albums and bringing to attention some wonderful artists and musicians. The Volcano soundsystem had been blowing away all comers and via Greensleeves he had secured massive overseas sales. Unfortunately this success would not last due to the events of 1985.
There had been a mass exodus of Jamaicans to the USA right from the beginning of the 1980's, some looking for work, some setting up businesses, others joining the large number of posses heading to America to take advantage of the growing drug trade. This period of time is perfectly documented in the haunting book "Born Fi Dead" by Laurie Gunst, a highly recommended read for those interested in this subject, definitely worth checking out.
Junjo headed off for New York City in 1985, initially looking for new artists and to start up a recording studio to push his Volcano Soundsystem in the US.
Meeting with old Jamaican associates Junjo somehow got himself caught up in some posse related drug raid, and although he has always claimed he had no involvement other than of association he was arrested and sentenced to a seven year stretch.
Upon his release in 1991 Junjo was deported back to Jamaica and was greeted by a whole new sound as Reggae had once again evolved, he had missed the evolution of the digital reggae era and stumbled upon the new breed of Ragga Dancehall.
A number of his biggest selling artists were now touring and recording (or indeed living) in America and England. He quickly linked back up with Cocoa Tea for the album "Kingston Hot" released in 1992.
He also began working with artists that had made a name on the Ragga scene such as General Pecos, Pinchers, Chaka Demus, Penny Irie and Statcha Ranks. A number of the singles from this period were gathered for the compilation "Junjo And Volcano: Volcano Erupt" released around 1993.
Another Ragga star who Junjo was keen to work with was Ninjaman and the pair cut a few albums together including "The Return", "Bad Grand Dad" and the classic "Original Front Tooth Gold Tooth Gun Pon Tooth Don Gorgon" which appeared between 1992 and 1995.
Junjo also worked with singer Sanchez on the album "The One For Me" as well as returning to work with some old friends in Yellowman, Sugar Minott, Michael Prophet, Linval Thompson and the now grown-up Beenie Man.
Despite working with these great artists on some pretty decent quality offerings Junjo couldn't quite get back to the success levels of the mid-eighties. He decided to head for England in late 1998 to link up with some old connections who had been making money on the UK reggae scene of the 1990's.
This would be the last chapter for Junjo as on the 14th June 1999, whilst living temporarily in Harlesdon, North West London, he was set upon by two men in a moving vehicle and was shot and killed. The murder remains unsolved.
Henry "Junjo" Lawes has left behind a musical legacy that defines the early 1980's Jamaican reggae sound. The birth of Reggae Dancehall, the master of the soundsystem and the finder of quality artists and musicians.
Pretty much every album mentioned above is still readily available via Greensleeves Records and absolutely worth tracking down or digging out for a listen.
Jah Guidance - Henry "Junjo" Lawes Productions 1978 - 1998 is an epic exploration that collects up 7'' and 12'' single mixes, b-sides, album cuts and dub versions, it acts as a starting point for those who wish to dig a little deeper and seek out the full albums. This is hot lava direct from the Volcano!
Enjoy!
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Jah Guidance - Henry "Junjo" Lawes Productions 1978 - 1998
Disc One:
1) Barrington Levy - Bounty Hunter
2) Dave Robinson - Ruby And Diamonds (12'' Single Mix)
3) Hortense Ellis - Give Thanks
4) Freddie McKay - Sing Little Bird Song
5) Jah Thomas - Can't Get No Love Tonight
6) Henry "Junjo" Lawes And Volcano Allstars - Dummnick Version
7) Barrington Levy And General Echo - Eventide Fire A Disaster (12'' Single Mix)
8) Trevor Scorcher - Chemist In A Diss
9) Dean Stone - I Want To Hold You Girl
10) Barry Brown - Give Another Israel A Try (12'' Single Mix)
11) Rod Taylor - Where Is Your Love Mankind
12) Barrington Levy - Shaolin Temple
13) Flick Wilson - Slave Master
14) Michael Prophet - Long Long Tribulation
15) Wayne Jarrett - Saturday Night Jamboree
16) General Echo - She Have A Pair Of Headlamp Breast
17) Nicodemus - Shaolin Plot
18) Sammy Dread - Gone Away (12'' Single Mix)
19) Barrington Levy - Shine Eye Girl
20) Israel Vibration - Why You So Craven?
Disc Two:
1) Barrington Levy - Rock And Come In
2) Scientist - Jab
3) Eek A Mouse - Wa-Do-Dem (12'' Single Mix)
4) Errol Scorcher - Wild Inna Eighty One Style
5) Wayne Jarrett - Love In Mi Heart {aka Bubble Up}
6) Scientist - Dangerous Match Nine
7) Dennis Walks - The Drifter (12'' Single Mix)
8) Michael Prophet - You Are A No Good
9) Scientist - Dance Of The Vampires
10) Michigan And Smiley - Diseases
11) Yellowman - Zungguzunguzunguzeng
12) Eek A Mouse - Ganja Smuggling
13) The Wailing Souls - Fire House Rock
14) Scientist - The Mummy's Shroud
15) Clint Eastwood And General Saint - What About Right Oint!
16) Johnny Osbourne - He Can Surely Turn The Tide
17) Scientist - Plague Of Zombies
18) Captain Sinbad - Sinbad And The Eye Of The Tiger
19) Yellowman - Natty Sat Upon A Rock
20) Barrington Levy - Butterfly
Disc Three:
1) Little John - Dancehall Style (12'' Single Mix)
2) Wayne Jarrett - Chip In
3) Barrington Levy - Englishman
4) The Wailing Souls - Bandits Taking Over The Town
5) Scientist - The Corpse Rises
6) Toyan - Toyan On The Go
7) Glen Mundy - Gow
8) Rod Taylor - Mr. Money Man
9) Hugh Mundell - 24 Hours A Day
10) Barrington Levy - Crucifixion (12'' Single Mix)
11) Yellowman - Two To Six Super Mix
12) Michigan And Smiley - Come When Jah Call You
13) Michael Prophet - Here Comes The Bride
14) Barry Brown - Sweet Sixteen (12'' Single Mix)
15) Flick Wilson - School Days
16) Jennifer Lara - Reach Out For Me
17) Johnny Osbourne - Yo Yo (7'' Single Mix)
18) Barrington Levy - Moonlight Lover
19) Sister Nancy - Ball A Roll (12'' Single Mix)
20) Papa Tullo - Sister Pearl
Disc Four:
1) Yellowman - Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt
2) Barrington Levy - Prison Oval Rock
3) Nicodemus - Gunman Connection (12'' Single Mix)
4) Dennis Walks - Roast Fish And Cornbread
5) Johnny Osbourne - Bring The Sensi Come
6) Scientist - Ganja Dub
7) Ken Boothe - Thinking (12'' Single Mix)
8) Carlton Livingston - 100 Weight Of Collie Weed
9) Ranking Joe - Step It Down Shepherds Bush
10) John Holt - A Love I Can Feel
11) Freddie McKay - Trickster Loving
12) Alton Ellis - Skate Land Girl
13) Toyan - Please Mr. Barrister
14) Little John - Mr. Babylon
15) Michael Prophet - World Of Confusion
16) Israel Vibration - Praises Unto Jah
17) Sugar Minott - Harbour Shark
18) Culture And Don Carlos - Tell Me Who Jah
19) Linval Thompson - I Spy
20) Johnny Ringo - Gun Shot
Disc Five:
1) The Wailing Souls - Kingdom Rise Kingdom Fall
2) Wayne Jarrett - Got To Be Sure (12'' Single Mix)
3) Michael Prophet - Cassandra
4) Barrington Levy - Looking My Love
5) Papa Tullo - Girls Of Today
6) Eek A Mouse - Noah's Ark
7) Don Carlos - Hog And Goat
8) Cultural Roots - Reggae Music
9) Junior Murvin - Jahovah's Children
10) Barrington Levy - Money Makes Friends
11) Scientist vs Prince Jammy - Round One
12) Johnny Osbourne - Come Back Darling
13) Toyan - African Ting
14) John Holt - Private Doctor
15) Little John - Long Dread Locks
16) Clint Eastwood And General Saint - Can't Take Another World War
17) Scientist - Dangerous Match One
18) Michigan And Smiley - The Ghetto Man
19) Little Harry - Harry On The Go
20) Barrington Levy - Skylarking
Disc Six:
1) Wayne Jarrett - Ranny And Lou
2) Scientist - Dangerous Match Ten
3) Anthony Johnson - Let Go This One (12'' Single Mix)
4) Johnny Osbourne - Fally Lover
5) Scientist - Extra Time Two
6) Echo Minott - Farmer Man
7) Michael Prophet - Hold On To What You Got
8) Scientist - Cry Of The Werewolf
9) The Wailing Souls - Mass Charley Ground
10) Eek A Mouse - Palaving
11) Barrington Levy - Hammer (12'' Single Mix)
12) Papa Tullo - To The Edge Of The Rump
13) The Wailing Souls - I Shent Tree
14) The Meditations - Shadow Man
15) Yellowman And Fathead - Bad Boy Skanking
16) Lui Lepke - Gunman Move
17) Michael Prophet - Boom Him Up (10'' Single Mix)
18) Dickie Ranking - Rock In The Atmosphere
19) Nicodemus - Tubby's Daddy
20) Simple Simon - Life In The Ghetto
Disc Seven:
1) Hugh Mundell - Jacqueline
2) Scientist - Dangerous Match Three
3) Cornell Campbell - Mr. Dee Jay
4) Frankie Paul - War Is In The Dance
5) Johnny Osbourne - No Lollipop No Sweet So
6) Scientist - Extra Time Three
7) The Wailing Souls - Act Of Affection
8) Eek A Mouse - Long Time Ago
9) Don Carlos - I Like It
10) Yellowman - Morning Ride
11) Little John - Dancehall Style (10'' Single Mix)
12) Michael Prophet - Love And Unity
13) Scientist - Your Teeth In My Neck
14) John Holt - Sweetie Come Brush Me
15) Captain Sinbad - Bam Salute
16) Triston Palmer - Mr. False Preacher (12'' Single Mix)
17) Israel Vibration - Jah Is The Way
18) Leroy Smart - I Am The Don
19) Charlie Chaplin - Wha Mek Di World Stay So?
20) Al Campbell - Last Dance (12'' Single Mix)
Disc Eight:
1) Michael Prophet - Gunman (12'' Single Mix)
2) Frankie Paul - Pass The Tu-Sheng-Peng
3) Clint Eastwood And General Saint - Another One Bites The Dust
4) Eek A Mouse - Anerexol (12'' Single Mix)
5) Johnny Osbourne - In Your Eyes
6) Scientist - Dangerous Match Four
7) Barrington Levy - Gonna Tell Your Girlfriend
8) Scientist - Kidney Punch
9) John Holt - Police In Helicopter
10) Cornell Campbell - You're My Lady
11) Toyan - Tribute To Entertainers
12) The Wailing Souls - Who Live It (Knows It)
13) Junior Murvin - Judas And Jesus
14) Johnny Osbourne - Two Bad Daughter
15) Barrington Levy - Robin Hood
16) Rod Taylor - Them Top Ranking
17) Little Harry - Wicked And Wild
18) Cultural Roots - Thief, Liars, Criminals
19) Johnny Ringo - Horse Man
20) Beenie Man - Live At Aces International
Disc Nine:
1) Cocoa Tea - Rocking Dolly
2) Linval Thompson - Look How Me Sexy
3) Don Carlos - English Woman
4) Leroy Smart - The Girls Now A Days
5) Michael Prophet - Evil Doers
6) Billy Boyo - One Spliff A Day (12'' Single Mix)
7) Hugh Griffiths - Sexy Lady
8) Lady Ann - You're So Sweet (12'' Single Mix)
9) Tony Tuff - Come Fe Mash It
10) The Wailing Souls - Water Pumpee (7'' Single Mix)
11) Ranking Joe - Christine
12) Barry Brown - I Can't Hide (12'' Single Mix)
13) Genie And Tash - The Ladies Side
14) Nicodemus - Boneman Connection
15) Barrington Levy - Please Jah Jah
16) John Holt - Peeping Tom (12'' Single Mix)
17) Culture And Don Carlos Rub A Dub Train
18) Ken Boothe - Welfare People
19) Yellowman And Fathead - Ain't No Donna But You
20) Toyan - Love And Devotion
Disc Ten:
1) Cultural Roots - Hell A Go Pop (10'' Single Mix)
2) Johnny Osbourne - Never Stop Fighting
3) Scientist - Dangerous Match Six
4) Barrington Levy - Collie Weed (12'' Single Mix)
5) General Echo - It's My Desire To Set Your Crutches On Fire
6) Flick Wilson - Don't Give Up Your Culture
7) Jah Mikes - Can't Take The Running
8) Eek A Mouse - Queen Elizabeth
9) Michael Prophet - Make Me A Romance
10) Little Harry - Jessat Promotion
11) Hugh Mundell - Your Face Is Familiar
12) Don Carlos - Hey Mr. Babylon
13) The Wailing Souls - Baby Come Rock
14) Toyan - Reggae Gone International
15) Scientist - Laser Attack
16) John Holt - Reality
17) Michigan And Smiley - Living In Babylon
18) Barrington Levy - Look Girl
19) Billy Boyo - Boyo In The Area
20) Sammy Levi - It A Go Dread (12'' Single Mix)
Disc 11:
1) Johnny Osbourne - Man Of Jahoviah
2) Hugh Mundell - Rasta Have The Handle
3) Scientist - Dangerous Match Two
4) Cocoa Tea - I Lost My Sonia
5) Barrington Levy - Many Changes In Life
6) Scientist - Seconds Away
7) Wayne Jarrett - True Love
8) Yellowman - Lost Mi Love
9) Cornell Campbell - Stranger In Love
10) Junior Murvin - Muggers In The Street
11) Eek A Mouse - Don't Run And Cry
12) Frankie Paul - Hooligan
13) Michael Prophet - Jah Love
14) The Wailing Souls - Oh What A Feeling
15) Scientist - The Voodoo Curse
16) Junior Reid - Lover's Affair
17) Little Harry - Rougher Than Rough
18) Leroy Smart - Settle For Me
19) Billy Boyo - Look How She Fat
20) Clint Eastwood And General Saint - Two Bad DJ (12'' Single Mix)
Disc 12:
1) Scientist - Miss Know It All
2) Johnny Osbourne - Freelance Lover
3) Captain Sinbad - Fisherman
4) Rod Taylor - Stand Up Firm
5) Eek A Mouse - For Hire And Removal (12'' Single Mix)
6) Peter Ranking And General Lucky - Beverley Black (12'' Single Mix)
7) Ken Boothe - You're Not The Same
8) Winston Hussey - Joe Grine Last Night
9) Culture And Don Carlos - Dry Up Your Tears
10) John Holt - Stealing
11) Sister Nancy - Dance Pon The Corner
12) Leroy Smart - All Of My Love (12'' Single Mix)
13) Yellowman And Fathead - Donkey Want Water
14) Barrington Levy - Captivity
15) Billy Boyo - Wicked She Wicked
16) Scientist - Super Nova Explosion
17) Lui Lepke - Step Mother
18) Toyan - Overseas Posse
19) Little John - Time Longer Than Rope
20) Michael Irie - Live At Two Big Sound Clash
Disc 13:
1) Carlton Livingston - Soundman Clash
2) Anthony Johnson - Now I Know (12'' Single Mix)
3) Johnny Osbourne - Ice Cream Love
4) Scientist - Extra Time One
5) Barrington Levy - Look Youthman
6) Rod Taylor - Arleen
7) Michael Prophet - Happy Days
8) Israel Vibration - Highway Robbery
9) Don Carlos - Roots Man Party
10) The Wailing Souls - Inch Pinchers
11) Clint Eastwood And General Saint - Talk About Run
12) Little John - English Cowboy
13) Ranking Trevor - A So Me Chat (12'' Single Mix)
14) Yellowman - Rub And Go Down
15) Sammy Dread - Dreadlocks Is The Wisest
16) Cocoa Tea - On Top Of The World
17) Toyan - Calypso
18) Leroy Smart - Some Way
19) Don Carlos - Mr. Sun (12'' Single Mix)
20) Scientist - Space Invaders Re-Group
Disc 14:
1) Hugh Mundell - Tell I A Lie
2) Johnny Osbourne - Curly Locks Girl
3) Cornell Campbell - Your Love
4) Frankie Paul - Only You
5) Jennifer Lara And Devon Russell - Traffic Jam (12'' Single Mix)
6) Michael Prophet - Sweet Loving
7) Scientist - Ghost Of Frankenstein
8) John Holt - Beach Party
9) Culture And Don Carlos - Say You Will Be My Baby
10) Eek A Mouse - Atlantis Lover
11) Cultural Roots Tell It To Her
12) Leroy Smart - Love Me Tonight
13) The Meditations - Ease Up Fattie (12'' Single Mix)
14) Junior Murvin - Champagne And Wine
15) Johnny Osbourne - Over 31 Under 21
16) Scientist - Dangerous Match Five
17) General Echo - Love Me Waist Don't Bother Love Me Face
18) Nicker Smart - Qualified Girls
19) Little John - The More We Are Together
20) Junior Reid - Rock It So Well
Disc 15:
1) Scientist - Cloning Process
2) Eek A Mouse - Wild Like A Tiger (12'' Single Mix)
3) Barrington Levy - Send Ah Moses
4) General Echo - Me Know Everything About She Pum Pum
5) Yellowman - Body Move
6) Little John - Cocaine Smoking (12'' Single Mix)
7) Peter Ranking And General Lucky - Walk And Talk (12'' Single Mix)
8) The Wailing Souls - Things And Time
9) Michael Prophet - 2000 Years
10) Johnny Osbourne - Have A Little Mercy
11) Scientist - Night Of The Living Dead
12) Lee Van Cleef - Out Of Port
13) Toyan - Wife And Sweetheart
14) Michigan And Smiley - Jah Army
15) Scientist - Vampire Initiative
16) Yellowman - Getting Married
17) Captain Sinbad - Morning Teacher
18) Little John - Searching Everyday
19) Charlie Chaplin - Yankee Skank
20) Scientist Meets Roots Radics - Fighting Radics
Disc 16:
1) Scientist - Gunman
2) Barrington Levy - This Place Is Too Dark
3) Rod Taylor - Yes We're Gonna Get Over
4) Flick Wilson - Where Wicked Gonna Run?
5) Eek A Mouse - Operation Eradication
6) Toyan - Capital Offence
7) Linval Thompson - Some A Rub
8) Winston Hussey - I Want To Go Home (10'' Single Mix)
9) Lui Lepke - You're Not Ready
10) Ken Boothe - Valley Of Peace (12'' Single Mix)
11) Israel Vibration - On Jah Solid Rock
12) Don Carlos - At The Bus Stop
13) Cornell Campbell - You Need Sympathy
14) Cocoa Tea - I'm Going Home
15) Wayne Jarrett - Jah Jah I
16) Clint Eastwood And General Saint - Special Request
17) John Holt - Can't Use Me
18) Michael Prophet - Give I A Try
19) Junior Murvin - Hook, Line And Sinker
20) Michigan And Smiley - Natty Heng On In Deh
Disc 17:
1) Eek A Mouse - Star, Daily News Or Gleaner
2) Johnny Osbourne - Give A Little Love
3) Scientist - Dangerous Match Seven
4) Captain Sinbad - Wa Dat?
5) Yellowman And Fathead - For Your Eyes Only
6) Hugh Mundell - Red, Gold And Green
7) Scientist - Dangerous Match Eight
8) The Wailing Souls - Oh What A Lie
9) Junior Reid - Please Officer
10) Toyan - Dread In A Babylon
11) Josie Wales - Three Blind Mice
12) Eek A Mouse - Georgie Porgie
13) Cultural Roots - Where Have You Been?
14) Scientist - Quasar
15) Cocoa Tea - Who A The Champion
16) Frankie Paul - Hot Number
17) Leroy Smart - Principle
18) Nicodemus - It Have To Ram
19) Lee Van Cleef - Boom Salute
20) Yellowman And Fathead - Bam Bam
Disc 18:
1) Cocoa Tea - The Return
2) General Pecos - Talk About Gun, But ...
3) Linval Thompson - None Shall Escape
4) Yellowman - Hardcore Lover
5) Sanchez - Seems So Real
6) Ninjaman - Gun Bogle
7) Cocoa Tea - Can't Keep A Good Man Down
8) General Pecos - Nah Bow Down
9) Ronnie Thwaites - Some Cally
10) Michael Prophet - Been Talking
11) Burro Banton - Better Than The Rest
12) Nitty Gritty - Solomon
13) Josie Wales - Bobo Dread
14) Early B - Bible Story
15) Shaka Shamba And Cocoa Tea - Tender Loving Girl
16) Pinchers - Ship Sail
17) General Pecos - Woman In A Mi House
18) Yellowman - I Love Girls
19) Cocoa Tea - My Girl
20) Sanchez - Baby I Need You
Disc 19:
1) Yellowman - Zungguzunguzunguzeng ('93 Lick)
2) Sanchez - Day And Night
3) Jack Radics And General Pecos - Say No To Drugs
4) Burro Banton - Jolly Bus
5) Josie Wales - Woola Woope
6) Papa Dimes - Thru Me (10'' Single Mix)
7) Linval Thompson And Sherriff - Rockfort Rock
8) Cocoa Tea - Jump And Spread Out
9) Charlie Chaplin - Hey Youth Man
10) General Pecos - Wheel-o Wheel-o
11) Beenie Man And Michael Prophet - Gunman
12) Peter Metro And Sister Charmaine - Dibbi Dibbi Girl
13) Sanchez - You're Gonna Lose
14) Ninjaman And Ninja Ford - The Return (Father And Son)
15) Yellowman - Better Than Them
16) Cocoa Tea - Pose Up
17) General Pecos - Brag And Show Off
18) Junie Ranks - Lick Out Against The Man
19) Sanchez - Something Something
20) Sugar Minott - Time So Ruff
Please be aware that all download links are currently unavailable as of January 2023
Be sure to seek out the albums from which these tracks appear, most of which are mentioned in the post above.
As always we love to hear your thoughts, leave a comment below, email the team at:
pipecockjackxonrrm@gmail.com
We are also on Facebook, just search Pipecock Jackxon (Sweet Rare Reggae Music).
Information and Further Reading regarding this article as mentioned above:
So, after posting this article we were soon contacted regarding certain elements to this story which may or may not be true but we have to allow for both sides points of view on this subject matter.
It seems there is controversy and speculation on the role of Henry "Junjo" Lawes as a producer and also about the way in which Greensleeves operated in regards to the works licensed to them via Junjo.
The story, as laid out in the above article, is the official mainstream recollection of the events, this is what we researched and it came across as being pretty valid, our information is verified by other researchers and people's descriptions of the way it went. We read many books, many articles, many album sleeve notes, many discographies, listened to interviews with actual artists, musicians and producers who were there at the time.
However the differing version of events claims that Greensleeves exploited Junjo and the artists, musicians, engineers and producers that created these works. The high profile court case involving Hopeton "Scientist" Browne, who sued the label in regards to royalties owed, made us feel that this side of the story deserved some investigation.
Now there is a long and complicated history when dealing with royalties and copyrights in regards to the Jamaican music industry. It it a very sad state of affairs that artists, songwriters, musicians and producers don't always get their financial rewards for creating such amazing music. It's quite often the middlemen or record labels that make the biggest profits whilst the actual creators of the art are left with the crumbs.
Scientist did indeed lose his court battle against Greensleeves, on April 20th 2005 Greensleeves successfully defended claims of copyright infringement. The jury unanimously dismissed claims that Scientist had ownership of the material as he is only credited as engineer. Greensleeves had proven that Henry "Junjo" Lawes had originally produced the compositions and licensed them to the label.
The court papers quoted: "...the verdict confirms the traditional custom and practise of the Jamaican music industry with the determination that such copyright resides with the producer...".
This basically means that the producer owns the copyright to the material, any of the artists, musicians, engineers or anyone else who worked on the project were paid as sessionmen with a fee agreed at the time with the producer.
Another high profile example of this is when producer Lee "Scratch" Perry licensed off a number of recordings by Bob Marley and The Wailers to Trojan Records without their permission, it seems commonplace in reggae music, Especially in those early years.
So let's use the Scientist case as an example. Even though he is credited as the featured artist on albums such as "Scientist Rids The World Of The Evil Curse Of The Vampires" and many others, he can not claim ownership of the material simply because he was a paid session engineer of material already owned by Junjo Lawes or another producer. This is how the court sees it in the eyes of the law.
The producer pays for the studio time, pays the musicians, singers, engineers ect. a one time fee for their work and then the final product is theirs, owned by them and thus the receiver of any future royalty payments.
Additional Notes July 2016:
Greensleeves have recently been re-issuing certain albums on CD and vinyl with altered titles including "Junjo Presents: Big Showdown", "Junjo Presents: Wins The World Cup", "Linval Presents: Space Invaders" and "Linval Presents: Encounters Pac-Man", these re-releases of material previously credited to Scientist apparently state "Not For Sale In France".
It might appear as yet another case of a record company profiting from the works of artists who once again get left out in the cold, it's a great shame because these sort of re-issues with improved sound and additional discs of bonus material are exactly the kind of things the fans want to purchase but when it's not dealt with or done properly it feels as though they have taken the love out of it and made us feel bad about just who is getting the royalties?
Additional Notes July 2016:
Greensleeves have recently been re-issuing certain albums on CD and vinyl with altered titles including "Junjo Presents: Big Showdown", "Junjo Presents: Wins The World Cup", "Linval Presents: Space Invaders" and "Linval Presents: Encounters Pac-Man", these re-releases of material previously credited to Scientist apparently state "Not For Sale In France".
It might appear as yet another case of a record company profiting from the works of artists who once again get left out in the cold, it's a great shame because these sort of re-issues with improved sound and additional discs of bonus material are exactly the kind of things the fans want to purchase but when it's not dealt with or done properly it feels as though they have taken the love out of it and made us feel bad about just who is getting the royalties?
As I say it is a real shame that it works this way but it seems to be the way in which most (if not all) artists were treated in Jamaica throughout the 60's, 70's and 80's. The complicated grey areas which are exploited by record companies who print false, error-laden labels on 45's and purposely mis-credit artists, songwriters, musicians and producers on the artwork.
Maybe Junjo was not a producer in the sense that we think of one? maybe other guys like Scientist, Linval Thompson, Hyman "Jahlife" Wright, Prince Jammy and others were the actual producers of the material and Junjo was the middleman between them and the record label?
This theory is certainly confirmed by some people with connections to the artists who recall the sessions but not by all of them. Some say Junjo was the producer and worked hard to get the deals with Greensleeves who paid out royalties accordingly.
If the label says produced by Junjo or Scratch or Tubby then that's what the record buying public will believe, as would any relevant discographer or researcher.
These are indeed muddy waters and sometimes it's incredibly difficult to work out the fact from the fiction. Even accounts from people who were actually there can contradict each other making it even harder to judge the rights and wrongs.
Whatever the case may be what is important here is the music, this still stands as some of the greatest reggae to appear from Jamaica. These artists who either sang, played instrument, engineered or worked on the material found here should be getting the recognition they truly deserve.
As always are aim is to open the door for people who wish to dig a little deeper, explore the back catalogue of these artists, go to the concerts and support them however possible.
NJ @ Sweet Rare Reggae Music. rarereggaemusic@fsmail.net
More Further Reading:
Check out these wonderful posts that cover Henry "Junjo" Lawes on the brilliant midnight raver blog.
http://midnightraverblog.com/
http://midnightraverblog.com/2013/03/31/reggae-inna-dancehall-style-out-of-print/. Check out these great videos which show the Volcano Posse in action with Junjo.
Also for further digging into this topic check out these websites:
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/henry-junjo-lawes-mn0000933884/biography Henry "Junjo" Lawes biography on All Music.
An extensive discography on Junjo Lawes productions covering everything mentioned in our post in detail.
An obituary on Henry Lawes as printed in the UK national newspaper The Independent.
Another extensive discography on Junjo's productions.
Another extensive discography on this blog from 2008.
A direct quote from the book "World Music" available here on google books highlights Barrington Levy's work with Junjo Lawes on the album "Bounty Hunter".
More direct quotes, this time from the "Reggae Encyclopaedia", once again citing the influence of producer Henry "Junjo" Lawes.
and yet more direct quotes, this one from the book "Dub: Soundscapes and Shattered Songs in Jamaican Reggae", again giving credit to Junjo Lawes on his productions.
More information on Junjo here at Dancehall Reggae World website.
Another nice article on Henry "Junjo" Lawes from Reggaepaedia.
A long discussion on the topic of Scientist/Junjo/Greensleeves on the Blood and Fire website.
The Jamaican Gleaner covers the story of how Scientist lost his court case with Greensleeves.
